Optometrist Hourly Pay in Maplewood, MN: $64.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Maplewood, MN runs $64.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,504 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Maplewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,103 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist hourly pay in Maplewood is projected to be $64.19, which is somewhat below the national median of $67.60. This hourly rate is indicative of a profession where both part-time and per-diem workers can find substantial earning opportunities. For instance, a part-time optometrist working three days per week can earn a solid income, tailoring their schedule for a better work-life balance. The hourly rates for optometrists in Maplewood range from $38.43 at the entry level to $92.89 for top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary projections, reflect the competitive nature of various settings, including retail optical chains, private optometry practices, and specialized medical clinics.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.43 | $307.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.35 | $426.83 |
| Median (P50) | $64.19 | $513.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.29 | $618.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.89 | $743.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maplewood
Based on $64.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.19/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maplewood, MN can expect to earn approximately $133,505 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,022. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maplewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maplewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,567.41 | $11,125 | $133,505 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,540.45 | $6,675 | $80,103 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,026.96 | $4,450 | $53,402 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Maplewood) | $64.19 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Maplewood, MN earn a median of $133,504 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Minnesota state average of $138,490.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.19/hr = $80,103/year (purchasing power: $81,323).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,505/year (purchasing power: $135,538).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Maplewood grew 18.5% from $52.61/hr (2019) to $62.34/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.09/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Maplewood
For optometrists considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, the financial landscape reveals healthy earning potential. An optometrist working 24 hours per week may take home about $83,000 annually, which can be a compelling income compared to full-time roles. Per-diem optometrists, who fill in at various establishments, typically charge daily rates ranging from $700 to $1,200 in specialized clinics. Employment in diverse environments such as LensCrafters or VA medical centers offers significant variability in hourly rates, prompting many to choose between higher pay without benefits or slightly lower hourly rates with health insurance. For those exploring the optometrist hourly rate in MN, negotiating for competitive pay in Maplewood involves understanding these dynamics and may include weighing the cost of benefits against the allure of higher per diem options.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Maplewood in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Maplewood?
Are optometrists in Maplewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Maplewood?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Maplewood?
Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Maplewood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov